The importance of early childcare and education highlighted

The staff at Elanora Children’s Centre are using Early Education Matters week as an opportunity to reflect on the importance and benefits of early education.

Federal Labor MP Justine Keay visited the Devonport Centre to talk with providers about their roles in educating the state’s youngest minds.

“In government, Labor took action to reduce the financial burden of childcare on families by increasing the childcare rebate from 30 to 50 per cent of out of pocket costs, and increased the cap to $7,500,” Ms Keay said.

“In addition, Labor introduced the National Quality Framework, which has lifted standards and quality in early education across the country.”

Elanora director Aileen Brett said the week was about recognition.

“It’s so people can actually understand the amount of work we are doing,” she said

“We aren’t doing childminding, we are doing a lot more. We are educating the children. It starts at this age. It starts in our baby room.”

The centre is constantly buzzing with around 50 bright and curious young minds.

“We also support students. We have three students here at the centre today from other organisations,” Mrs Brett said.

Federal Liberal MP Richard Colbeck said the government had committed around $1.73 million to ensure 1,367 local children in Braddon have access to 15 hours a week of early learning in the year before school.

"In Government, the Coalition has taken action to reduce the financial burden of childcare on families by increasing the childcare rebate to up to 85 per cent of out of pocket costs, and have removed the rebate cap entirely,” he said.